Junior Lawyer - Commercial

At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners – from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

• An exciting full time, ongoing role based in Parramatta CBD including regional NSW
• Enjoy a 35-hour working week, flexible working arrangements (including hybrid working) and generous leave entitlements to support work-life balance
• Grow your career with considerable opportunities for career progression
• Competitive remuneration package of $101,105 - $138,492 plus super and leave loading

About the role

We are seeking a Junior Lawyer with commercial and/or commercial disputes experience to join the team. The Commercial Law Team is highly collaborative and has a strong and positive team culture. It provides support and advice to public schools across NSW and corporate business units on a vast range of contracts and commercial matters to support priority projects, reform initiatives and collaborative programs that span the complete education life cycle (pre-school to vocational and higher education).

The role will provide exposure to:

• Drafting, reviewing and negotiating contracts.
• Providing strategic legal advice, including risk mitigation and dispute prevention.
• Advising on contractual disputes.
• Conducting legal research on contract law issues.
• Maintaining accurate file management.
• Building client relationships and supporting continuous improvement.
• Collaborating with other lawyers to deliver quality outcomes.

About you

You are a Junior Lawyer with:

• Strong legal research and drafting skills to efficiently support the directorate's operations.
• Excellent attention to detail and time management.
• The ability to provide clear and effective legal advice to departmental officers and stakeholders to improve service quality and outcomes.
• An understanding of contract law and the ability to assess and prioritise requests.
• High collaborative traits who enjoy being part of a high performing team.

For further information please view the role description.

Benefits

With nearly 160,000 people working across the state, the NSW Department of Education isn’t like any other workplace. You can customise your career track and experience benefits including:

• The opportunity to make a real difference, doing important work in a varied, rewarding career in which you can make the most of your legal expertise across a variety of disciplines.
• A dynamic workplace in an organisation committed to diversity and inclusion.
• A secured and permanent employment opportunity with a stable employer.
• The ability to contribute to positive social outcomes, supporting diverse communities and making a meaningful impact on education.
• Ability to take on short-term assignments or move across different areas within the department to broaden your skills and experience.
• Opportunities to contribute to shaping new policies and drive innovation in education.

Essential requirements, experience and knowledge  

• Admitted or eligible for admission as a Legal Practitioner in an Australian jurisdiction for practice in NSW.
• Current knowledge of contract law principles.
• Demonstrate knowledge of and commitment to implementing the Department’s Aboriginal Education Policy and upholding the Department’s Partnership Agreement with the NSW AECG and to ensure quality outcomes for Aboriginal people.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

How to apply

Attach a resume (maximum 5 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements and capabilities of this role.

Applicants are encouraged to prepare their application materials independently. The selection panel values authentic and personally written responses that reflect your own experience, insights and alignment with the Department’s values and priorities.

Please refer to the Applicant’s Guide to Applying to assist you with your application.

If you are an existing Education Support Staff (corporate staff) with the NSW Department of Education, click here for instructions on how to submit your application.

All other applicants please submit your application by clicking ‘Apply Now’.

Note: the selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role. Successful candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check.

This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment, you will be required to provide a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) Clearance number (for paid employment). Visit the website for more information.

Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa. 

Closing date:  20th September 2026 at 11:59pm.

For role enquiries please contact Gemma Jackson, Principal Legal Officer at gemma.jackson2@det.nsw.edu.au and for recruitment process enquiries please contact Alexis Katombe at AlexisPaul.Katombe@det.nsw.edu.au.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including but not limited to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people of any age or gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups and/or from the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, people with disability, people with sensory differences, and neurodiverse people. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please reach out to the contact person for this recruitment, details listed above. For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education’s Diversity, equity and inclusion webpage.

A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.